Methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus to methods and apparatus for performing propulsion operations using electric propulsion system are disclosed. An example launch vehicle includes a first space vehicle including a first core structure and a first electric propulsion system, and a second space vehicle including a second core structure and a second electric propulsion system, the second core structure releasably attached to the first space vehicle in a stacked configuration.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/127,973, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 10,689,132) which was filed on Sep.11, 2018, which arises from a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/477,923, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 10,543,938) which was filed onApr. 3, 2017, which arises from a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/828,462, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 9,643,739) which wasfiled on Aug. 17, 2015, which arises from a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/693,694, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 9,180,984) which wasfiled on Dec. 4, 2012, which arises from a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/604,050, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,915,472)which was filed on Sep. 5, 2012, and a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/652,101, (Now U.S. Pat. No. 8,973,873)which was filed on Oct. 15, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/646,222, which was filed on May 11, 2012. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/127,973, U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/477,923, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/828,462, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/693,694, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/604,050, U.S. patent application No. 13/652,101, and U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/646,222 are hereby incorporated herein by referencein their entireties. Priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/127,973, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/477,923, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/828,462, U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/693,694, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/604,050, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/652,101, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.61/646,222 is hereby claimed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This patent relates to electric propulsion systems and, morespecifically, to methods and apparatus for performing propulsionoperations using electric propulsion systems.

BACKGROUND

Spacecrafts and/or satellites may perform propulsion operations inspace. Some of these propulsion operations may include attitude andmomentum control, orbit raising, orbit insertion and maintenance, orbitrepositioning and/or de-orbit maneuvers. Other propulsion operations mayinclude escaping orbits for interplanetary or extra-solar systemmissions and/or injection maneuvers to initiate orbit around anotherplanet, moon, etc. Thrust is achieved by acceleration of propellants.Propellants may be accelerated substantially by pressure differences(cold or hot gas systems, (e.g., cold gas)), chemical reactions(including catalytic decomposition, e.g. hydrazine monopropellantsystems, hypergolic bipropellant reactions, solid rockets, etc.), andelectrical and magnetic interactions (including ion propulsion systems,stationary plasma systems, Hall effect thrusters, magneto-plasmathrusters, etc., (e.g., electric propulsion)). To perform thesepropulsion operations, some satellites use cold gas systems, or chemicalsystems, or combinations of cold gas and chemical systems, orcombinations of cold gas, chemical and electric propulsion systems.

SUMMARY

An example launch vehicle includes a first space vehicle including afirst core structure and a first electric propulsion system, and asecond space vehicle including a second core structure and a secondelectric propulsion system, the second core structure releasablyattached to the first space vehicle in a stacked configuration.

An example non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprisinginstructions that, when executed, cause a machine to at least launch alaunch vehicle including a first space vehicle and a second spacevehicle, the first space vehicle having a first electric propulsionsystem including a plurality of thrusters, the second space vehiclehaving a second electric propulsion system, the second space vehiclecoupled to the first space vehicle in a stacked configuration, and inresponse to the first space vehicle separating from the second spacevehicle after the launch, cause linear acceleration of the first spacevehicle by adjusting a position of one or more of the plurality of thethrusters relative to a frame of the first space vehicle.

An example method of launching a launch vehicle includes disposing afirst space vehicle in the launch vehicle, the first space vehicleincluding a first core structure and a first electric propulsion system,disposing a second space vehicle including a second core structure and asecond electric propulsion system in the launch vehicle by releasablyattaching the second core structure to the first space vehicle in astacked configuration, and subsequent to the dispositions, launching thelaunch vehicle.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference tothe following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an example launch vehicle and an example spacecraft inaccordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an example launch vehicle and example first and secondspacecrafts and/or modules in accordance with the teachings of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of the example first and secondspacecrafts and/or modules of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the example first and secondspacecrafts and/or modules of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 depicts one of the spacecrafts and/or modules of FIG. 2 in adeployed configuration.

FIG. 6 depicts another one of the spacecrafts and/or modules of FIG. 2in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts a portion of an example propulsion unit in accordancewith the teachings of this disclosure.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict an example tank assembly in accordance with theteachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example attitude control system in accordance withthe teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic, side elevation in section of an example of themultiple space vehicle launch system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a schematic, perspective view of two space vehicles depictedin FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side elevation in section of the space vehiclesdepicted in FIG. 11 .

FIG. 14 is a side elevation in section of an example of a spacecraftincorporating the disclosed tank mount, shown mounted in a launchvehicle fairing.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation in section of a second example of aspacecraft incorporating the disclosed tank mount, shown incorporated ina larger launch vehicle fairing.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the disclosed tank support of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a side elevation in section of disclosed tank supportstructure of FIG. 14 .

FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21 are enlarged detail views, in section, ofportions of the tank support structure shown in FIG. 17 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain examples are shown in the above-identified figures and describedin detail below. In describing these examples, like or identicalreference numbers are used to identify the same or similar elements. Thefigures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certainviews of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or in schematicfor clarity and/or conciseness. Additionally, several examples have beendescribed throughout this specification. Any features from any examplemay be included with, a replacement for, or otherwise combined withother features from other examples.

The examples disclosed herein relate to satellite modules, satellitesand/or spacecrafts that use electric propulsion systems (e.g., ionpropulsion system, plasma propulsion system such as stationary plasmapropulsion systems, Hall Effect propulsion system, etc.) and/or attitudecontrol systems for all propulsion operations and/or missionrequirements. The propulsion maneuvers or operations and/or missionrequirements may include attitude and momentum control, orbit raising,orbit insertion and maintenance, orbit repositioning, de-orbitmaneuvers, etc. Attitude and momentum control include controllingposition and rates of various elements of the spacecraft about eachaxis, exchange of momentum between spacecraft elements, and utilizationand responding to external torques, momentum management, etc. Propulsivemaneuvers may provide linear acceleration to change and control orbitalparameters such as orbit raising and/or lowering, change in inclination,etc.

By using such an ion propulsion system, the mass of the satellite atlaunch may be reduced by hundreds of kilograms, the mission life may beextended and/or the processing, production and/or launch costs may bereduced. For example, reducing the mass of the satellite reduces thecost of the launch vehicle. Additionally, using such an electricpropulsion system enables the satellite to be repositioned intodifferent orbits and/or orbital slots using substantially lesspropellant than if a chemical and/or hybrid propulsion system were used.

In contrast, some known satellites use chemical propellants in chemicalreaction control for propulsion operations. Other known satellites useelectric propulsion in combination with chemical propellants and/or coldgas propulsion systems. However, the cost of the example electricpropulsion system is significantly less than some of these known systems(e.g., chemical and electric propulsion systems) due to their complexdesign and/or the cost of procurement, assembly, integration and/ortesting.

By not using chemical propulsion systems, the propulsion systems of theexamples disclosed herein eliminate chemical loading operations duringthe satellite design qualification, acceptance and/or pre-launchpreparation at the subsystem level and/or the system level. Thus,electric propulsion systems, which typically use an inert gaspropellant, may be installed early in the satellite manufacturingprocess (e.g., at the fuel tank level) at conventional processingfacilities without the risk of exposure to hazardous materials and/orwithout violating hazardous material processing laws in any state and/orcountry.

Additionally, by not using chemical propulsion systems, the propulsionsystems of the examples disclosed herein are not hazardous to humansand/or the environment and are not limited to being loaded at the launchsite in controlled areas. In some examples, chemical propulsion systemsuse chemicals that are caustic, highly reactive, explosive and/or toxic.Thus, spacecraft fueling operations of chemical propulsion systems areconducted using hazardous materials (HAZMAT) suits and/or other fuelingequipment at the launch site. For example, when fueling chemicalpropulsion systems, special fueling stands, rooms, protection and/orfuel certification may be used and/or needed. Chemical propulsionsystems may also expose hardware of the spacecraft to hazardousmaterials, such as during fueling operations, which require the hardwareto be cleaned and/or refurbished prior to re-use, for example.

FIG. 1 depicts an example single launch vehicle 100 in which aspacecraft, unmanned spacecraft and/or satellite 102 is positioned inits stowed configuration. In this example, the spacecraft 102 includespower sources 104, payloads 106 and an electric propulsion system 108.The power sources 104 may include a solar array, radioactivethermonuclear generators (RTGs), energy beaming or transfer apparatus,solar thermal, nuclear thermal, etc. The payloads 106 may include anantenna, a radio frequency (RF) receiver/transmitter, an opticalreceiver/transmitter, a LASER receiver/transmitter, a light detectionand ranging (LIDAR) receiver/transmitter, RADAR receiver/transmitterand/or imaging/detecting systems. The electric propulsion system 108includes thrusters (e.g., four ion thrusters) 110 that carry out allpropulsion operations, including momentum control, orbit raising, orbitinsertion and maintenance, orbit repositioning, de-orbit maneuvers, etc.Thus, the spacecraft 102 does not include other propulsion systems, suchas chemical or cold gas propulsion systems.

FIG. 2 depicts an example dual launch vehicle 200 in which first andsecond example spacecrafts, unmanned spacecrafts, modules (e.g.,re-entry modules), satellite modules, and/or satellites 202, 204 arepositioned in their stowed configuration. Within the launch vehicle 200,the first and second spacecrafts 202, 204 are stacked and/or coupledusing an example interface 206. The interface 206 enables thespacecrafts 202, 204 to separate after the spacecrafts 202, 204 aredeployed from the launch vehicle 200, for example. Although FIG. 2illustrates two stacked spacecraft, it is possible to stack more thantwo spacecraft and/or alternatively arrange them in otherconfigurations, such as in a side-by-side configuration.

The spacecrafts 202, 204 include respective frames 207, 209 that includeaccommodations for and/or couplings for antennas 208, 210. Thespacecrafts 202, 204 also include electric propulsion systems 212, 214having thrusters (e.g., four Xenon ion thrusters, ion thrusters) 216that carry out some or all momentum control, and all orbit raising,orbit insertion and maintenance, orbit repositioning, de-orbitmaneuvers, etc. To control the position of the spacecrafts 202, 204 oncedeployed from the launch vehicle 200, the thrusters 216 areindependently movable and/or rotatable relative to the respectivespacecraft 202, 204 and/or the frames 207, 209. For example, to thrustthe first spacecraft 202 forward, the thrusters 216 may be positioned ina direction generally indicated by arrow 218.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the stacked spacecrafts 202, 204 deployed from thelaunch vehicle 200. Alternatively, rather than deploying the stack fromthe launch vehicle 200, each spacecraft 202, 204 may be deployedseparately from the launch vehicle 200, with the upper spacecraft 204deployed prior to the lower spacecraft 202. Referring to FIG. 4 , theexample propulsion systems 212, 214 include tanks (e.g., Xenon tanks)402, 404 that may be positioned along a longitudinal axis 406 of thespacecrafts 202, 204. In operation, the respective tanks 402, 404 arecoupled to and provide propellant to one or more of the thrusters 216 toperform the various propulsion operations. The propellant provided maybe an inert gas such as Xenon, Argon, Krypton, etc., or other species,such as Mercury. While the example spacecrafts 202, 204 each have asingle tank 402, 404, any other number of tanks (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.)may be used and may be similarly or differently placed within therespective spacecrafts 202, 204.

FIG. 5 depicts the second spacecraft 204 in the deployed configuration.The second spacecraft 204 includes the thrusters 216 that are pivotablymounted to supports 502 and the tank 404 that is coupled to and/orsupported by a support and/or tank support 504. In some examples, thesecond spacecraft 204 includes an attitude control system and/orreaction and/or momentum control wheels 503 that cooperate to provideattitude control and/or momentum storage for the second spacecraft 204.In some examples, the attitude control system 503 is an electricallypowered attitude control system such as a magnetic torque rod(s), amagnetic torque ring(s) and/or an electrically driven electro-mechanicalattitude control system which may be a combination of control wheels andmagnetic rods/rings. In some examples, the propulsion system 214 and/orthe thrusters 216 include Xenon ion propulsion (XIP) thrusters, powercontrollers, tankage, flow control and cross-strapping units. In someexamples, the second spacecraft 204 also includes an electronics module506, payload equipment 508 and a battery and power controller 510. Thesecond spacecraft 204 may also include the antennas 210, solar panelsand/or arrays 512 and thermal radiators and/or equipment panels 516.

The electronics module 506 may include spacecraft control electronics,flight software and/or telemetry and command radio frequency (RF) units.The attitude control system 503 may include attitude sensors (e.g.,earth sensors, sun sensors, star trackers), Inertial Reference Units(IRUs) or other attitude sensors, reaction wheels or momentum wheels,torque rods or magnetic torquers, etc. The battery and power controller510 may include battery cells, e.g. Lithium-Ion cells, packs and powercontrollers. The antennas 210 may receive and/or transmit data and mayinclude active and passive units, antenna structure, a deploymentmechanism and/or an antenna positioning mechanism. The solar arrays 512may include one or more panels, covered in whole or in part with solarcells. The thermal radiators and equipment panels 516 may include asingle north oriented radiator and/or equipment, a single south orientedradiator and/or equipment and heat pipes. While the above examplesdescribe the second spacecraft 204 as including particular elementsand/or a particular number of those elements, the second spacecraft 204may include different and/or different quantities of elements.

FIG. 6 depicts the first spacecraft 202 in the deployed configuration.The first spacecraft 202 includes the thrusters 216 that are pivotablymounted to supports 602. In some examples, the propulsion system 214and/or the thrusters 216 include Xenon ion propulsion (XIP) thrusters,power controllers, tankage, flow control and cross-strapping units. Insome examples, the first spacecraft 202 also includes an electronicsmodule, an attitude control system, and a battery and power controller604. The first spacecraft 202 may also include the antennas 208, solarpanels and/or arrays 606 and thermal radiators and equipment panels 608.While the above examples describe the first spacecraft 202 as includingparticular elements and/or a particular number of those elements, thefirst spacecraft 202 may include different and/or different quantitiesof elements.

FIG. 7 depicts a portion 700 of an example propulsion unit that can beused to implement the examples disclosed herein. The propulsion unitincludes Xenon ion propulsion thrusters 702, adapters 704, gimbaledplatforms 706 and a support structure 708. In operation, the gimbaledplatforms 706 enable the thrusters 702 to be independently rotatedand/or positioned to enable the thrusters 702 to move, thrust and/orrotate the respective spacecrafts 202, 204, once deployed from thelaunch vehicle 200.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict an example tank assembly 800 that can be used toimplement the examples disclosed herein. The assembly 800 includes atank support panel 802, a tank 804 and a conical support structure 806.In some examples, an axial slip joint and/or monoball 807 couples thetank support panel 802 to the tank 804 to enable the tank to expandand/or contract. In some examples, a moment free monoball mount 808couples the tank 804 and the support structure 806.

FIG. 10 depicts an example spacecraft attitude control system 1000 thattogether with a propulsion system may be used to implement thesubstantially all electric propulsion system. The attitude controlsystem 1000 includes attitude sensors 1002 (e.g. earth sensors, sunsensors, star trackers), inertial rate sensors 1004, a controller 1006and actuators. The actuators may include momentum storage devices 1008(e.g. momentum wheels, reaction wheels), magnetic torquers 1010, and thepropulsion unit including the thruster 702. The thruster 702 may beattached to the gimbal 706. Other examples may include alternateattitude sensing and control apparatus and/or methods.

In some examples, the attitude control system 1000 may be used forattitude and momentum control, etc. In this example, momentum isexchanged between the body (e.g., the spacecraft body) and the wheels(e.g., stored in the wheels) to control the attitude and rate of thebody to point the body in the desired direction. The desired directionmay be achieved by sensing the current attitude via sensors 1002 andrates via the inertial rate sensors 1004 and the controller 1006applying torque to the momentum storage devices 1008 to create thedesired pointing direction and rates. The desired direction may be suchthat the linear acceleration created by the thruster 702 will create theorbital changes requested and/or required (e.g. orbit raising). Thecontrol system 1000 may also point the body in a desired direction forthe payload. In some examples, when orbital operations are requestedand/or required concurrently with payload operations, the position andorientation of the thrusters 702 are chosen such that velocity vectorsproduced by the thrusters when the body is in the desired payloadpointing attitude (e.g. earth pointed), can be combined to create therequested and/or required orbital changes. In some examples, the gimbal706 is used to position the thrust vector nominally through thespacecraft center of mass. Alternatively, several thrusters may begimbaled to an appropriate position and fired simultaneously such thatnet torques of all thrusters is zero.

Momentum created by external torques may be periodically ‘dumped’ fromthe wheels with the propulsion system by using the gimbal 706 to rotatethe thrusters 702 away from the center of mass to achieve the desiredtorque and/or interaction with solar torques, the earth's magnetic fieldvia magnetic torquers 1010, etc. In some examples, the example thruster702 and the gimbal 706 arrangement uses the same set of thrusters indifferent orientations depending on the requested and/or requireddirection of acceleration and payload pointing. Other examples mayinclude additional thrusters with little or no gimbal capabilitydedicated to creating acceleration in primarily a single direction.Other control systems may use the thruster 702 to create the desiredspacecraft rate and pointing (‘thrust vector steered’) rather than rateand pointing through exchange of momentum. Other examples of theattitude control system 1000 may be an electrical, mechanical and/ormagnetic system and/or any other suitable system.

As disclosed herein, the example electric propulsion system may useand/or be associated with ionized gas expulsion, non-ionized gasexpulsion and/or cold gas states. For example, the example electricpropulsion system may be used to propel the apparatus in either anionized state and/or a non-ionized state of the species. In examples inwhich the electric prolusion system uses non-ionized gas, the gas may bedischarged and/or dribbled out of the thrusters and/or the apparatus mayinclude one or more cold gas thrusters. The cold gas thrusters may beused for occasional control and/or contingency operations of theapparatus.

In some examples, the non-ionized gas and/or the cold gas thrusters maybe used in association with de-orbit operations and/or other phases of amission. For example, the cold gas thrusters may use propellant from,for example, the tank 402 and/or the 404 and/or another gas tank (e.g.,xenon tank) and feed system and/or another cold gas type.

As set forth herein, an example apparatus includes a frame a powersource coupled to the frame and a payload coupled to the frame. Thepayload is to receive or transmit data. The apparatus includes anelectric propulsion system coupled to the frame. The electric propulsionsystem is to enable attitude control, momentum control, and orbitcontrol of the apparatus. In some examples, orbit control includes orbitmaintaining, orbit changing, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbitre-positioning, and de-orbit maneuvers of the apparatus. In someexamples, momentum control includes momentum management. In someexamples, the apparatus also includes a controller to control theelectric propulsion system. In some examples, the apparatus alsoincludes the electric propulsion system includes a thruster. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system includes a gimbaled platform toenable the thruster to move relative to the frame. In some examples, theelectric propulsion system includes a plurality of thrusters. In someexamples, each of the thrusters is independently movable. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system includes a tank to receivepropellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the frame. In some examples, the power sourceincludes a solar array fixed or movable between a stowed configurationand a deployed configuration. In some examples, the payload is at leastpartly movable between a stowed configuration and a deployedconfiguration. In some examples, in a stowed configuration, theapparatus is to be positioned in a launch vehicle. In some examples, theelectric propulsion system includes a Xenon ion propulsion system, aplasma propulsion system such as a stationary plasma thruster, or a HallEffect propulsion system.

Another example apparatus includes a launch vehicle and a spacecraft tobe positioned in the launch vehicle. The spacecraft includes a frame, apower source coupled to the frame and a payload coupled to the frame.The payload to receive or transmit data. An electric propulsion systemis coupled to the frame to enable substantially all propulsionoperations to be performed without another propulsion system. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system includes a thruster and agimbaled platform. The gimbaled platform is to enable the thruster tomove relative to the frame. In some examples, the electric propulsionsystem includes a plurality of thrusters. In some examples the electricpropulsion system includes a tank to receive propellant. In someexamples, the tank is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the frame.In some examples, substantially all propulsion operations includeattitude control, momentum control, and orbit control of the apparatus.In some examples, orbit control includes orbit maintaining, orbitchanging, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbit re-positioning, andde-orbit maneuvers of the spacecraft.

Another apparatus includes a launch vehicle, a first module and a secondmodule. The first module is to be removably coupled to the secondmodule. The first and second modules are to be positioned in the launchvehicle. The second module includes a frame, a power source coupled tothe frame and a payload coupled to the frame. The payload is to receiveor transmit data. The apparatus includes an electric propulsion systemcoupled to the frame. The electric propulsion system is to enableattitude control, momentum control, and orbit control of the secondmodule. In some examples, the electric propulsion system includes a tankto receive propellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the frame.

An example method to improve performance of a propulsion system includesusing an electric propulsion system coupled to a frame and allowing theelectric propulsion system to enable attitude control and orbit control.In some examples, using the electric propulsion system includes using aplurality of independently movable thrusters. In some examples, usingthe electric propulsion system includes using a propellant stored in atank positioned along a longitudinal axis of the frame. In someexamples, the method also includes allowing the electric propulsionsystem or an attitude control system to enable momentum control. In someexamples, using the electric propulsion system comprises using a Xenonion propulsion system, a plasma propulsion system such as a stationaryplasma thruster, or a Hall Effect propulsion system.

The examples disclosed herein relate to a multiple space vehicle launchsystem that may include a first space vehicle, a second space vehiclereleasably attached to the first space vehicle and oriented relative tothe first space vehicle such that, when placed within a fairing, alaunch load from the first space vehicle is transmitted to and borne bythe second space vehicle, thereby eliminating the need for Sylda orother reinforcing or support structure. In an example, the first andsecond space vehicles each may include one of an electrical propulsionmotor and a hybrid chemical and electrical propulsion motor. Byutilizing electrical propulsion motors in the space vehicles, the totalmass of the space vehicle may be significantly reduced when compared toa space vehicle having a chemical propulsion motor, which may enablesupport structures such as Sylda to be eliminated.

According to an example, a multiple space vehicle launch system mayinclude a first space vehicle, a second space vehicle releasablyattached to the first space vehicle and oriented relative to the firstspace vehicle such that when placed within a fairing, a launch load fromthe first space vehicle is transmitted to and borne by the second spacevehicle. The first and second space vehicles each may include one of anelectrical propulsion unit and a hybrid chemical and electricalpropulsion unit.

In another example, a spacecraft launch system may include a launchvehicle with a fairing having a payload region, and a plurality of spacevehicles disposed within the payload region. The plurality of spacevehicles may be oriented in a vertically stacked manner such that atleast a portion of gravitational and launch loads of an upper spacevehicle are transmitted to and borne by a lower space vehicle. Each ofthe space vehicles may include at least one of an electrical propulsionunit and a hybrid electrical and chemical propulsion unit.

In yet another example, a method of launching a plurality of spacevehicles may include providing a plurality of space vehicles, each ofthe plurality of space vehicles including at least one of an electricalpropulsion unit and a hybrid electrical and chemical propulsion unit,orienting the plurality of space vehicles in a stacked manner within apayload region of a fairing of a launch vehicle such that gravitationaland launch loads of an upper one of the plurality of space vehicles istransmitted to and borne by a lower one of the plurality of spacevehicles, and launching the launch vehicle with the plurality of spacevehicles.

In the examples described above and others, the use of traditionalinter-launch vehicle fairing, Sylda, and inter-fairing separationsystems may be eliminated. This reduces the non-revenue generatingpayload mass and may reserve more available mass for revenue generatingpayload.

As shown in FIG. 11 , an example multiple space vehicle launch system,generally designated 10, is used with a launch vehicle 12 having afairing 14. The system 10 may include a first or upper space vehicle,generally designated 16, and a second or lower space vehicle, generallydesignated 18. The space vehicles are positioned within a payload region20 of the fairing 14. It should be noted that, although FIG. 11 shows aspace vehicle launch system 10 having two space vehicles 16, 18, it iswithin the scope of the disclosure to provide a space vehicle launchsystem having three or more space vehicles.

Regardless of the number of space vehicles 16, 18 employed in the launchsystem, the arrangement of space vehicles within the fairing 14 may bein a stacked, vertical configuration as shown in FIG. 11 . The term“vertical” as used herein refers to the orientation of the stacked spacevehicles 16, 18 relative to a launch pad supporting the launch vehicle12 when the launch vehicle is oriented in a vertical position, or avertically stacked manner, relative to the Earth. In an example, thestacked space vehicles 16, 18 may be aligned with, and may coincidewith, a central longitudinal axis of the fairing 14 and/or launchvehicle 12. The lower space vehicle 18 may rest upon a base 22 that maybe a part of the fairing 14.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the space vehicles 16, 18 may besatellites. In various examples, the space vehicles 16, 18 may begeosynchronous satellites, interplanetary probes, combinations thereof,or any type of space vehicle having a propulsion system that is launchedby a launch vehicle 12 (FIG. 11 ).

The space vehicles 16, 18 may include antenna reflectors 24, 26,respectively, and deployable solar arrays 28, 30, respectively. As bestshown in FIG. 13 , the space vehicles 16, 18 may include shear loadpanels 32, 34 that are mounted on core structure 36, 38, respectively.

The core structures 36, 38 may be cylindrical in shape and hollow. Corestructures may be of other shapes and not depart from the scope of thisdisclosure. Core structure 36 may be made of a strong, light materialsuch as graphite, and in one example have a wall thickness of 0.09″.Core structure 38 also may be made of a strong, light material such asgraphite, and in one example have a wall thickness of 0.45″. The shearpanels 32, 34 may support the solar arrays 28, 30 of the space vehicles16, 18, respectively.

In the example shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the space vehicles 16, 18 eachmay include an electric propulsion motor, generally designated 40, 42,respectively. Electric propulsion motors 40, 42 may include anion/plasma motor that utilizes Xenon gas as a propellant that is storedin tanks 44, 46 that may be positioned within core structure 36, 38,respectively. The electric propulsion motors 40, 42 also may includeexhaust nozzles 48, 50, respectively.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the space vehicles 16, 18each may include a single electric propulsion motor 40, 42 that mayconstitute the sole source of propulsion and navigation for that spacevehicle; no other propulsion source may be included. The components 40,42 of space vehicles 16, 18 also may represent other types of electricpropulsion motors, as well as hybrid electric/chemical propulsionmotors. It is also within the scope of the disclosure to provide spacevehicle 16 with an electric propulsion motor 40 and provide spacevehicle 18 with a hybrid electric/chemical propulsion motor 42. Use ofelectric propulsion motors 40, 42, or hybrid electric/chemicalpropulsion motors may be advantageous because they reduce the overallmass of the space vehicles 16, 18 in comparison to chemical propulsionmotors.

In one example, the upper space vehicle 16 may be connected to the lowerspace vehicle 18 by a pre-tensioned release band 52 that connects thecore structure 36 of the upper vehicle with the core structure 38 of thelower vehicle. As shown in the figures, the core structure 38 of thelower vehicle 18 may extend upwardly above the upper edge of the solararrays 30 of the lower vehicle to engage the core structure 36 which, inthe example shown, may not extend beyond the lower edge of the solararrays 28 of the upper space vehicle.

In operation, the upper and lower space vehicles 16, 18, respectively,first may be attached to each other by the pre-tensioned release band52. The combined space vehicles 16, 18 may be placed within the fairing14 of a launch vehicle 12, as shown in FIG. 14 , so that the lower spacevehicle rests upon the base 22 of the fairing.

When the launch vehicle is standing on the launch pad, the launchvehicle 12, fairing 14 and space vehicles 16, 18 may be orientedvertically relative to the Earth. In this configuration, the downwardgravitational force of the upper space vehicle 16 may be transmitted toand borne entirely by the lower space vehicle 18. In the example shown,this gravitational force may be transmitted entirely from the corestructure 36 of the upper space vehicle 16 to the core structure 38 ofthe lower space vehicle 18.

During liftoff of the launch vehicle 12, the acceleration forces of theupper space vehicle 16 likewise may be transmitted through the corestructure 36 to the core structure 38 of the lower space vehicle 18. Inthe example shown, the upper and lower space vehicles 16, 18 may belinearly and vertically aligned in a vertically stacked configuration sothat the gravitational and launch loads of the upper space vehicle 16are efficiently transmitted to and borne entirely by the lower spacevehicle 18.

In conclusion, two configuration features of the disclosed space vehiclelaunch system combine to provide a reduction in overall launch systemmass. First, the individual space vehicles do not use conventionalchemical propellant, but instead use electric propulsion, in oneexample, which has a higher efficiency and thus requires significantlyless propellant mass. In another example, the space vehicles may use ahybrid electric/chemical propulsion motor. Second, the space vehiclesmay be stacked, one on top of the other, so that the launch loads fromthe upper space vehicle may pass through the lower space vehicle.

The upper and lower space vehicles may include a compatible mountingstructure for releasably mounting adjacent spacecraft. This structuremay eliminate the need for an inner fairing structure or a fairingseparation system, which otherwise might be necessary for multiplymanifested spacecraft. The disclosed vehicle launch system may eliminatea significant amount of mass that is not required to fulfill the primaryspacecraft mission, which allows more available mass forrevenue-generating payload. Further, minimizing propellant mass andnon-functional structure mass from the launch vehicle optimizes theoverall system mass.

As set forth herein, an example multiple space vehicle launch systemincludes a first space vehicle, a second space vehicle releasablyattached to the first space vehicle and oriented relative to the firstspace vehicle such that when placed within a fairing, a launch load fromthe first space vehicle is transmitted to and borne by the second spacevehicle. The first and the second space vehicles each include one of anelectrical propulsion unit and a hybrid chemical and electricalpropulsion unit. In some examples, the first and the second spacevehicles are oriented in a stacked configuration. In some examples, thefirst and the second space vehicles are oriented in a vertically stackedconfiguration during launch. In some examples, the example multiplespace vehicle launch system also includes a fairing shaped to enclosethe first and the second space vehicles.

In some examples, the fairing includes a base shaped to support thesecond space vehicle. In some examples, the second space vehicle isattached to the first space vehicle such that the launch load from thefirst space vehicle is transmitted entirely to, and borne entirely by,the second space vehicle. In some examples, the first space vehicleincludes a first core structure. The second space vehicle includes asecond core structure; and the first core structure is attached to thesecond core structure. In some examples, the launch load from the firstspace vehicle is transmitted to the second space vehicle through thefirst core structure and the second core structure. In some examples,the first and the second space vehicles each include an electricalpropulsion unit. In some examples, the electrical propulsion unit is anion/plasma propulsion unit. In some examples, the electrical propulsionunit includes Xenon gas. In some examples, at least one of the first andthe second space vehicles is a satellite.

Another example spacecraft launch system includes a launch vehicleincluding a fairing having a payload region, a plurality of spacevehicles disposed within the payload region. The plurality of spacevehicles being oriented in a vertically stacked manner such that atleast a portion of gravitational and launch loads of an upper spacevehicle are transmitted to and borne by a lower space vehicle. Each ofthe space vehicles includes at least one of an electrical propulsionunit and a hybrid electrical and chemical propulsion unit. In someexamples, at least one of the space vehicles is a satellite. In someexamples, each of the space vehicles includes an electrical propulsionunit.

An example method of launching a plurality of space vehicles includesproviding a plurality of space vehicles, each of the plurality of spacevehicles including at least one of an electrical propulsion unit and ahybrid electrical and chemical propulsion unit, orienting the pluralityof space vehicles in a stacked manner within a payload region of afairing of a launch vehicle such that gravitational and launch loads ofan upper one of the plurality of space vehicles is transmitted to andborne by a lower one of the plurality of space vehicles, and launchingthe launch vehicle with the plurality of space vehicles.

In some examples, providing a plurality of space vehicles includesproviding at least one satellite. In some examples, providing aplurality of space vehicles includes providing a first space vehicle andproviding a second space vehicle. In some examples, orienting theplurality of space vehicles includes attaching the first space vehicleto the second space vehicle such that a launch load of the first spacevehicle is transmitted to and borne by the second space vehicle. In someexamples, attaching the first space vehicle to the second space vehicleincludes attaching a core structure of the first space vehicle to a corestructure of the second space vehicle

An example multiple space vehicle launch system that may be adapted tobe disposed within a payload region of a launch vehicle fairing isdisclosed. The launch system may include a first space vehicle, a secondspace vehicle releasably attached to the first space vehicle andoriented relative to the first space vehicle such that, when placedwithin the fairing, a launch load of the first space vehicle istransmitted to and borne by the second space vehicle. In certainexamples, the first and second space vehicles each may include one of anelectrical propulsion unit and a hybrid chemical and electricalpropulsion unit. Use of electrical or hybrid chemical and electricalpropulsion units enables the second space vehicle to bear all or asignificant portion of the launch load of the first space vehicle,thereby eliminating the need for additional support structure.

The examples disclosed herein relate to a spacecraft having a primarystructural frame and a propellant tank, the spacecraft including a tankmount adapted to engage a portion of the propellant tank, the tank mountbeing configured to transfer launch loads directly from the propellanttank to the launch vehicle interface ring. In one aspect, the propellanttank mount includes a conical shell having a first end adapted to engagean end of a propellant tank, and a second end adapted to engage a launchvehicle interface ring. In another aspect, a method of mounting apropellant tank to a spacecraft having a primary structural frameincludes providing a tank support adapted to engage a portion of thepropellant tank, the tank support being configured to transfer launchloads directly from a propellant tank to a launch vehicle interfacering.

In some examples of the disclosed spacecraft, propellant tank mount andmethod is that the propellant tank may be supported independently of thecentral thrust tube of the spacecraft. Consequently, the spacecraft andmount may accommodate propellant tanks of a variety of shapes anddiameters. The shape and diameter of the propellant tank need not bedictated by the inside diameter of the central thrust tube. In someexamples of the disclosed spacecraft, propellant tank mount and methodis that the launch load of the propellant tank may be transferreddirectly from the propellant tank to the launch vehicle interface ring,and not borne by the central thrust tube of the spacecraft.

The disclosed design may provide a mass-efficient solution because thepropellant tank load (i.e., the force exerted by the mass of thepropellant tank during launch, and when the launch vehicle isaccelerating, as a result of acceleration of the launch vehicle andspacecraft) may bypass the spacecraft's primary structure. This mayenable use of a simplified and relatively lighter primary structure, sothat a larger portion of the available mass of the spacecraft may beallotted to instrumentation and other spacecraft payload.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the disclosed spacecraft, generally designatedN10, may include a primary structural frame that may be in the form of acylindrical central thrust tube N12 that extends substantially theentire length of the spacecraft. The thrust tube N12 also may supportstiffener panels N14, solar wing drives N16 and thrusters N18. ThrustersN18 may be used for attitude control and/or moving the spacecraft N10 toa different orbit. The solar wing drives N16 may support solar panelsN20.

The thrusters N18 may be include electric propulsion units connected toa propellant tank N22. In examples, the thrusters N18 may be griddedelectrostatic ion thrusters, or Hall effect thrusters. The propellanttank N22 may contain xenon gas propellant under pressure and may bedimensioned to be spaced from the inner surface N24 of the centralthrust tube N12. Although shown in FIG. 14 as having a cylindricalshape, in examples the propellant tank N22 may be spherical, ellipticalor oval in shape, etc. In an example, the propellant tank N22 may be ametallic pressure vessel with a composite overwrap reinforcement. Inexamples, the propellant tank N22 may be made of aluminum or titanium,and may or may not have overwrap reinforcement.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 , the spacecraft N10 may include a tankmount, generally designated N26. The tank mount N26 may serve to attachthe spacecraft N10 to the base N28 of a launch vehicle N30, so that thespacecraft N10 may be positioned within the payload region N32 of thelaunch vehicle. The tank mount N26 may include a conical shell N34 thatmay be made of a lightweight, strong composite material. In an example,the material may include graphite or carbon fiber and may have ahoneycomb structure. In other examples, the conical shell N34 may bemade of metal, such as titanium, steel or aluminum alloy. The conicalshell N34 may be attached to a launch vehicle interface ring N36, whichmay be part of the base N28 of a launch vehicle N30.

At an opposite end of the propellant tank N22, the tank mount N26 mayinclude a forward tank support panel N38. The forward tank support panelN38 may be disk-shaped and sized to engage the inner periphery N24 ofthe central thrust tube N12. The forward tank support panel N38 may be asolid disk, as shown, or may have voids to reduce weight. The forwardtank support panel N38 may be attached to the propellant tank N22 by apivotal mount N40, such as the monoball bearing axial slip joint shown.Other types of pivotal mounts may be employed. The forward tank supportpanel N38 may be attached to the inner periphery N24 of the centralthrust tube N12 by welding, brazing, adhesives or other means.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the propellant tank N22 may include anaxially extending forward tank boss N42 that may extend through and iscaptured by the monoball bearing joint N40. The monoball bearing jointN40 may be attached to the forward tank support panel N38 by fastenerssuch as bolts N44. In other examples, the monoball bearing joint N40 maybe attached to the forward tank support panel N38 by a suitableadhesive, by welding, by rivets, or a combination of the foregoing. Themonoball bearing joint N40 may be made of metal, such as an aluminumalloy or titanium.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 , the upper end N44 of the conical shell N34may be attached to a cap N46 that may be made of a hardened materialsuch as titanium or other metal. The attaching mechanism may be byadhesives, or bolts N48 as shown in FIG. 19 . As shown in FIGS. 17 and20 , the cap N46 may include a pivotal mount N50, such as themoment-free monoball bearing mount shown. Monoball bearing mount N50 mayreceive an aft tank boss N52 of the propellant tank N22. The aft tankboss N52 may be attached to the propellant tank by screws N54 and mayinclude an adapter tube N56 that extends through and is captured by themonoball bearing mount N50. The tube N56 may be hollow and shaped toreceive an outlet tube N57 of the propellant tank N22. In one example,the tube N56 may be slidable relative to the monoball bearing mount toallow for expansion and contraction of the propellant tank N22, andaccommodate any out-of-tolerance conditions. Similarly, the forward tankboss 42 (FIG. 18 ) may be slidably retained by the monoball bearing slipjoint N40. In examples, both joints N40 and N50 may allow axial (i.e.,in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spacecraft 10) andpivotal movement of the propellant tank N22 relative to the spacecraftN10, central thrust tube N12 and conical support N34.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 21 , the lower end N58 of the conical shell N34may be attached to the launch vehicle interface ring N36 by bolts N60that extend through the lower end and through tabs N62 formed on theinterface ring N36. As shown in FIG. 21 , the interface ring N36 alsomay include an angular slot N64 shaped to receive the bottom of thecentral thrust tube N12 (FIG. 14 ), and the joint may be secured bymeans such as an adhesive, welding or brazing, mechanical fasteners suchas screws, or a combination of the foregoing.

As shown in FIG. 15 , a spacecraft N10′ may include a central thrusttube N12′ that is flared outwardly at the bottom of N66 to accommodate agreater thrust load, in the event that the central thrust tube N12′ maysupport the thrust tube N68 of a second spacecraft to be launched intandem with the spacecraft N10. In this example, the propellant tank N22may be supported in a similar fashion as that described with referenceto FIG. 14 , except that the conical shell N34′ may be shaped to flareoutwardly at a greater angle than shell N34 engage a larger interfacering N70.

The disclosed spacecraft N10, N10′ and tank mount N26, N26′ provide alow-cost mounting system that may transfer launch loads from the lowerpropellant tank nozzle N52 through the conical shell N34 and to thelaunch vehicle interface ring N36. Therefore, the launch load of thepropellant tank N22 may be conveyed directly to the interface ring 36without transferring a load to the central thrust tube N12. Because theconnection between the propellant tank N22 and the forward tank supportpanel 38 is by way of a slip joint N40, there is not thrust loadtransmitted to the central thrust tube N12 at that location. Thus, theentire thrust load of the propellant tank may be borne by the interfacering N36 and not the structural frame of the spacecraft N12, N12′.Further, because the propellant tank is attached to the spacecraft N12,N12′ at its upper and lower ends by boss N42 and nozzle N56, the supportsystem will accommodate a variety of propellant tank dimensions anddiameters.

As set forth herein, an example spacecraft having a primary structuralframe and a propellant tank includes a tank mount adapted to engage aportion of the propellant tank. The tank mount being configured totransfer launch loads directly from the propellant tank to a launchvehicle interface ring. In some examples, the tank mount is conical inshape. In some examples, the tank mount includes a conical shell. Insome examples, the tank mount includes a pivotal mount attached to thepropellant tank and the conical shell. In some examples, the pivotalmount includes a monoball bearing mount.

In some examples, the conical shell is formed of a composite material.In some examples, the conical shell if formed of one or more ofgraphite, carbon fiber, titanium, steel and aluminum alloy. In someexamples, the conical shell has a honeycomb structure. In some examples,the conical shell includes a lower peripheral edge shaped to engage thelaunch vehicle interface ring. In some examples, the lower peripheraledge is mechanically attached to the launch vehicle interface ring. Insome examples, the tank mount includes a plurality of bolts mechanicallyattaching the lower peripheral edge to the launch vehicle interfacering.

In some examples, the propellant tank is generally one of spherical,elliptical, cylindrical and oval in shape. In some examples, thepropellant tank is configured to retain xenon gas propellant. In someexamples, the primary structural frame includes a cylindrical centralthrust tube, and the propellant tank is shaped to fit within and notcontact the cylindrical central thrust tube directly. In some examples,example spacecraft includes a forward tank support panel for supportingan end of the propellant tank opposite the tank support, the forwardtank support panel being shaped to engage the primary structural frame.In some examples, the forward tank support panel includes a pivotalmount attached to the propellant tank. In some examples, the pivotalmount includes a monoball bearing. In some examples, the propellant tankincludes axially extending forward tank boss, and the monoball bearingis shaped to receive the forward tank boss for relative slidable andpivotal movement.

An example propellant tank mount for a spacecraft includes a conicalshell having a first end adapted to engage an end of a propellant tank,and a second end adapted to engage a launch vehicle interface ring.

An example method of mounting a propellant tank to a spacecraft having aprimary structural frame includes providing a tank support adapted toengage a portion of the propellant tank, the tank support beingconfigured to transfer launch loads directly from the propellant tank toa launch vehicle interface ring.

A spacecraft having a primary structural frame and a propellant tank, inwhich the spacecraft may include a tank mount adopted to engage aportion of the propellant tank, the tank mount being configured totransfer launch loads directly from the propellant tank to a lunchvehicle interface ring.

As set forth herein, an example apparatus includes a frame; a powersource coupled to the frame; a payload coupled to the frame, the payloadto receive or transmit data; and an electric propulsion system coupledto the frame, the electric propulsion system to enable attitude control,momentum control, and orbit control of the apparatus.

In some examples, the orbit control includes orbit maintaining, orbitchanging, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbit re-positioning, andde-orbit maneuvers of the apparatus and wherein momentum controlcomprises momentum management. In some examples, the apparatus includesa controller to control the electric propulsion system. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system includes a thruster. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system comprises a gimbaled platformto enable the thruster to move relative to the frame. In some examples,the electric propulsion system includes a plurality of thrusters. Insome examples, each of the thrusters is independently movable. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system includes a tank to receivepropellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the frame. In some examples, the power sourcecomprises a solar array fixed or movable between a stowed configurationand a deployed configuration. In some examples, the payload is at leastpartly movable between a stowed configuration and a deployedconfiguration. In some examples, in a stowed configuration, theapparatus is to be positioned in a launch vehicle. In some examples, theelectric propulsion system includes a Xenon ion propulsion system, aplasma propulsion system, or a Hall Effect propulsion system.

An example apparatus includes a launch vehicle; and a spacecraft to bepositioned in the launch vehicle, the spacecraft including a frame; apower source coupled to the frame; a payload coupled to the frame, thepayload to receive or transmit data; and an electric propulsion systemcoupled to the frame to enable substantially all propulsion operationsto be performed without a chemical propulsion system.

In some examples, the electric propulsion system comprises a thrusterand a gimbaled platform, the gimbaled platform to enable the thruster tomove relative to the frame. In some examples, the electric propulsionsystem includes a plurality of thrusters. In some examples, the electricpropulsion system includes a tank to receive propellant. In someexamples, the tank is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the frame.In some examples, substantially all propulsion operations includeattitude control, momentum control, and orbit control of the apparatus.In some examples, orbit control includes orbit maintaining, orbitchanging, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbit re-positioning, andde-orbit maneuvers of the spacecraft.

An example apparatus includes a launch vehicle; a first module; and asecond module, the first module to be removably coupled to the secondmodule, the first and second modules to be positioned in the launchvehicle, the second module including a frame; a power source coupled tothe frame; a payload coupled to the frame, the payload to receive ortransmit data; and an electric propulsion system coupled to the frame,the electric propulsion system to enable attitude control, momentumcontrol, and orbit control of the second module. In some examples, theelectric propulsion system includes a tank to receive propellant. Insome examples, the tank is positioned along a longitudinal axis of theframe.

An example method to improve performance of a propulsion system includesusing an electric propulsion system coupled to a frame; and allowing theelectric propulsion system to enable attitude control and orbit control.In some examples, using the electric propulsion system includes using aplurality of independently movable thrusters. In some examples, usingthe electric propulsion system includes using a propellant stored in atank positioned along a longitudinal axis of the frame. In someexamples, the method includes allowing the electric propulsion system oran attitude control system to enable momentum control. In some examples,using the electric propulsion system comprises using a Xenon ionpropulsion system, a plasma propulsion system, or a Hall Effectpropulsion system.

An example apparatus includes a frame; a power source coupled to theframe; a payload coupled to the frame, the payload to receive ortransmit data; and an electric propulsion system coupled to the frame,the electric prolusion system comprising a first thruster coupled to afirst side of the frame and a second thruster coupled to a second sideof the frame, the first and second thrusters to enable attitude control,momentum control, and orbit control of the apparatus without use ofanother attitude system or another momentum system, no other propulsionsystem provided to enable the attitude control, the momentum control,and the orbit control.

In some examples, the orbit control comprises orbit maintaining, orbitchanging, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbit re-positioning, andde-orbit maneuvers of the apparatus and wherein the momentum controlcomprises momentum management. In some examples, the apparatus includesa controller to control the electric propulsion system. In someexamples, the electric propulsion system comprises a gimbaled platformto enable the first thruster to move relative to the frame. In someexamples, the first and second thrusters each comprise a plurality ofthrusters. In some examples, each of the thrusters is independentlymovable. In some examples, the electric propulsion system comprises atank to receive a propellant, the propellant comprising an inert gaspropellant, a Xenon gas propellant, an Argon gas propellant, or aKrypton gas propellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the frame. In some examples, the power sourcecomprises a solar array fixed or movable between a stowed configurationand a deployed configuration.

In some examples, the payload is at least partly movable between astowed configuration and a deployed configuration. In some examples, theapparatus includes a launch vehicle into which the apparatus is to bepositioned in a stowed configuration. In some examples, the electricpropulsion system comprises a Xenon ion propulsion system, a plasmapropulsion system, or a Hall Effect propulsion system.

An example apparatus includes a launch vehicle; and a spacecraft to bepositioned in the launch vehicle, the spacecraft, including a frame; apower source coupled to the frame; a payload coupled to the frame, thepayload to receive or transmit data; and an electric propulsion systemcoupled to the frame, the electric propulsion system comprising a firstthruster adjacent a first side of the frame and a second thrusteradjacent a second side of the frame, the first thruster and the secondthruster to enable propulsion operations to be performed, and wherein noother propulsion system is provided to enable the propulsion operations.

In some examples, the electric propulsion system comprises a gimbaledplatform, the gimbaled platform to enable the first thruster and thesecond thruster to move relative to the frame. In some examples, theelectric propulsion system comprises a tank to receive a propellant, thepropellant comprising an inert gas propellant, a Xenon gas propellant,an Argon gas propellant, or a Krypton gas propellant. In some examples,the tank is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the frame. In someexamples, the propulsion operations include attitude control, momentumcontrol, and orbit control of the apparatus. In some examples, orbitcontrol includes orbit maintaining, orbit changing, orbit raising, orbitinsertion, orbit re-positioning, and de-orbit maneuvers of thespacecraft.

An example apparatus includes a launch vehicle; a first module; and asecond module, the first module to be removably coupled to the secondmodule, the first and second modules to be positioned in the launchvehicle, the second module includes a frame; a power source coupled tothe frame; a payload coupled to the frame, the payload to receive ortransmit data; and an electric propulsion system coupled to the frame,the electric propulsion system comprising first electric thrustersadjacent a first side of the frame and second electric thrustersadjacent a second side of the frame, the first and second electricthrusters to enable attitude control, momentum control, and orbitcontrol of the second module, and wherein no other propulsion system isprovided to enable the attitude control, the momentum control, or theorbit control.

In some examples, the electric propulsion system comprises a tank toreceive propellant, the propellant comprising an inert gas propellant, aXenon gas propellant, an Argon gas propellant, or a Krypton gaspropellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the frame. In some examples, an example method toimprove performance of a propulsion system includes using an electricpropulsion system coupled to a frame, the electric propulsion systemcomprising first thrusters adjacent a first side of the frame and secondthrusters adjacent a second side of the frame; and allowing the firstand second thrusters to enable attitude control and orbit controlwithout using another propulsion system to enable the attitude controland the orbit control, no other propulsion system provided to enable theattitude control and the orbit control.

In some examples, using the first and second thrusters comprises using aplurality of independently movable thrusters. In some examples, usingthe electric propulsion system comprises using a propellant stored in atank positioned along a longitudinal axis of the frame, the propellantcomprising an inert gas propellant, a Xenon gas propellant, an Argon gaspropellant, or a Krypton gas propellant. In some examples, the methodallowing the electric propulsion system or an attitude control system toenable momentum control. In some examples, using the electric propulsionsystem comprises using a Xenon ion propulsion system, a plasmapropulsion system, or a Hall Effect propulsion system. In some examples,the method includes a support interface to couple the tank to the frame.In some examples, the support interface is to transfer a launch loadfrom the tank to the frame. In some examples, the support interfacecomprises a conical support interface.

In some examples, an example apparatus includes a frame; a power sourcecoupled to the frame; a payload coupled to the frame, the payload toreceive or transmit data; and an electric propulsion system coupled tothe frame, the electric propulsion system comprising a first thrusterand a second thruster, the first thruster positioned adjacent a firstside of the frame and the second thruster positioned adjacent a secondside of the frame, the second side spaced from the first side, the firstand second thrusters to enable attitude control and momentum control tobe performed without use of another attitude system, orbit controlsystem, or momentum system, no other propulsion control system providedto enable the attitude control and the momentum control.

In some examples, the tank further includes a cap having a slip joint toenable the tank to expand or contract. In some examples, the firstmodule and the second module are removably coupled to enable the firstand second modules to be launched in tandem. In some examples, thesupport interface is coupled to the tank via a pivotal mount to reduce athrust load imparted onto a portion of the frame.

An example method including deploying a space vehicle including anelectric propulsion system; and using the electric propulsion system forattitude control and orbit control, no other propulsion system providedto enable the attitude control and the orbit control. In some examples,the space vehicle is a satellite. In some examples, the method includeslaunching a launch vehicle in which the space vehicle is disposed. Insome examples, the electric propulsion system includes first thrustersadjacent a first side of the space vehicle and second thrusters adjacenta second side of the space vehicle. In some examples, the methodincludes using the electric propulsion system for momentum control, noother propulsion system provided to enable momentum control. In someexamples, the method includes independently moving thrusters of theelectric propulsion system.

An example method includes launching a launch vehicle including a firstspace vehicle and a second space vehicle, the first space vehicleincluding a first electric propulsion system, the second space vehicleincluding a second electric propulsion system; deploying the first spacevehicle and the second vehicle from the launch vehicle; and using thefirst electric propulsion system for attitude control and orbit controlof the first space vehicle, no other propulsion system provided on thefirst space vehicle to enable the attitude control and the orbitcontrol. In some examples, the method includes using the second electricpropulsion system for attitude control and the orbit control of thesecond space vehicle, no other propulsion system provided on the secondspace vehicle to enable the attitude control and the orbit control. Insome examples, the method includes using the first electric propulsionsystem for momentum control of the first space vehicle, no otherpropulsion system provided on the first space vehicle to enable momentumcontrol. In some examples, the method includes independently movingthrusters of the first electric propulsion system.

An example apparatus includes a space vehicle, including an electricpropulsion system; and a processor to cause the electric propulsionsystem to enable attitude control and orbit control without usinganother propulsion system to enable the attitude control and the orbitcontrol. In some examples, the orbit control includes orbit maintaining,orbit changing, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbit re-positioning,and de-orbit maneuvers of the apparatus. In some examples, the electricprolusion system includes a first thruster coupled to a first side ofthe space vehicle and a second thruster coupled to a second side of thespace vehicle. In some examples, the electric propulsion system includesa tank to receive a propellant, the propellant including an inert gaspropellant, a Xenon gas propellant, an Argon gas propellant, or aKrypton gas propellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the space vehicle. In some examples, the apparatusincludes a power source, the power source to provide power to one ormore components of the space vehicle. In some examples, the power sourceincludes a solar array fixed or movable between a stowed configurationand a deployed configuration. In some examples, the electric propulsionsystem includes a Xenon ion propulsion system, a plasma propulsionsystem, or a Hall Effect propulsion system. In some examples, the spacevehicle excludes a chemical propulsion system. In some examples, theelectric prolusion system includes a first thruster, a second thruster,a third thruster, and a fourth thruster, the first, second, third, andfourth thrusters being disposed adjacent respective corners of the spacevehicle.

An example method includes deploying a space vehicle including anelectric propulsion system; and using the electric propulsion system forattitude control, momentum control, and orbit control of the spacevehicle, no other propulsion system provided on the space vehicle toenable any of the attitude control, the momentum control, or the orbitcontrol.

In some examples, the space vehicle is a satellite. In some examples,the method includes launching a launch vehicle in which the spacevehicle is disposed. In some examples, the electric propulsion systemincludes first thrusters adjacent a first side of the space vehicle andsecond thrusters adjacent a second side of the space vehicle oppositethe first side. In some examples, the method includes independentlymoving thrusters of the electric propulsion system. In some examples, noother thrusters are positioned on the space vehicle between the firstthrusters and the second thrusters.

An example method includes launching a launch vehicle including a firstspace vehicle and a second space vehicle, the first space vehicleincluding a first electric propulsion system, the second space vehicleincluding a second electric propulsion system; deploying the first spacevehicle and the second space vehicle from the launch vehicle; and usingthe first electric propulsion system for attitude control, momentumcontrol, and orbit control of the first space vehicle, no otherpropulsion system provided on the first space vehicle to enable any ofthe attitude control, the momentum control, or the orbit control. Insome examples, the method includes using the second electric propulsionsystem for attitude control, momentum control, and the orbit control ofthe second space vehicle, no other propulsion system provided on thesecond space vehicle to enable any of the attitude control, the momentumcontrol, or the orbit control. In some examples, the method includesindependently moving thrusters of the first electric propulsion system.In some examples, the electric propulsion system of the first spacevehicle includes first thrusters adjacent a first side of the firstspace vehicle and second thrusters adjacent a second side of the firstspace vehicle opposite the first side, and wherein no other thrustersare positioned on the first space vehicle between the first thrustersand the second thrusters.

An example apparatus includes a space vehicle, including: an electricpropulsion system; and a processor to cause the electric propulsionsystem to enable attitude control, momentum control and orbit control ofthe space vehicle, no other propulsion system provided on the spacevehicle to enable any of the attitude control, the momentum control, orthe orbit control.

In some examples, the orbit control includes orbit maintaining, orbitchanging, orbit raising, orbit insertion, orbit re-positioning, andde-orbit maneuvers of the apparatus. In some examples, the electricprolusion system includes a first thruster coupled to a first side ofthe space vehicle and a second thruster coupled to a second side of thespace vehicle. In some examples, the electric propulsion system includesa tank to receive a propellant, the propellant including an inert gaspropellant, a Xenon gas propellant, an Argon gas propellant, or aKrypton gas propellant. In some examples, the tank is positioned along alongitudinal axis of the space vehicle. In some examples, the apparatusincludes a power source, the power source to provide power to one ormore components of the space vehicle. In some examples, the power sourceincludes a solar array fixed or movable between a stowed configurationand a deployed configuration. In some examples, the electric propulsionsystem includes a Xenon ion propulsion system, a plasma propulsionsystem, or a Hall Effect propulsion system. In some examples, theelectric prolusion system includes a first thruster, a second thruster,a third thruster, and a fourth thruster, the first, second, third, andfourth thrusters being disposed adjacent respective corners of the spacevehicle. In some examples, the electric propulsion system of the spacevehicle includes first thrusters adjacent a first side of the spacevehicle and second thrusters adjacent a second side of the space vehicleopposite the first side, and wherein no other thrusters are positionedon the space vehicle between the first thrusters and the secondthrusters.

Furthermore, although certain example methods, apparatus and articles ofmanufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of thispatent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers allmethods, apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within thescope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A launch vehicle, comprising: a first spacevehicle including a first core structure and a first electric propulsionsystem, the first space vehicle further including a tank having a firstend and a second end opposite the first end, the first end coupled tothe first space vehicle via a first pivotable mount, the second endcoupled to the first space vehicle via a second pivotable mount; and asecond space vehicle including a second core structure and a secondelectric propulsion system, the second core structure releasablyattached to the first space vehicle in a stacked configuration.
 2. Thelaunch vehicle of claim 1, wherein the tank stores one or morepropellants including at least one of an inert gas propellant, an Argongas propellant, a Mercury gas propellant, a Krypton gas propellant, or aXenon gas propellant.
 3. The launch vehicle of claim 1, wherein no otherpropulsion system is provided on the first space vehicle and the secondspace vehicle to enable any of at least one of attitude control,momentum control, or orbit control of the first space vehicle and thesecond space vehicle.
 4. The launch vehicle of claim 1, wherein thefirst space vehicle includes: a first support structure coupled to afirst side of the first space vehicle and a second support structurecoupled to a second side of the first space vehicle, the second sideopposite the first side; first gimbaled platforms coupled to the firstsupport structure and second gimbaled platforms coupled to the secondsupport structure; and first thrusters coupled to first adapters on thefirst side and second thrusters coupled to second adapters on the secondside, the first adapters coupled to the first gimbaled platforms in aconfiguration to enable the first thrusters to be independentlymoveable, the second adapters coupled to the second gimbaled platformsin a configuration to enable the second thrusters to be independentlymoveable.
 5. The launch vehicle of claim 4, wherein no other thruster ofthe launch vehicle is positioned on the first space vehicle between thefirst thrusters and the second thrusters.
 6. The launch vehicle of claim4, wherein at least one of the first thrusters or the second thrustersare independently rotatable.
 7. The launch vehicle of claim 4, whereinthe first thrusters include a first thruster and a second thruster, thesecond thrusters include a third thruster and a fourth thruster, and atleast one of the first thruster, the second thruster, the thirdthruster, or the fourth thruster is an electrostatic ion thruster or aHall effect thruster.
 8. The launch vehicle of claim 4, wherein at leastone of the first thrusters or the second thrusters are for at least oneof attitude control, momentum control, or orbit control of the firstspace vehicle.
 9. A method of launching a launch vehicle, the methodcomprising: disposing a first space vehicle in the launch vehicle, thefirst space vehicle including a first core structure and a firstelectric propulsion system; disposing a tank in the first space vehicle,the tank having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, thefirst end coupled to the first space vehicle via a first pivotablemount, the second end coupled to the first space vehicle via a secondpivotable mount; disposing a second space vehicle including a secondcore structure and a second electric propulsion system in the launchvehicle by releasably attaching the second core structure to the firstspace vehicle in a stacked configuration; and subsequent to thedispositions, launching the launch vehicle.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the first space vehicle is an upper space vehicle and the secondspace vehicle is a lower space vehicle, and launching the launch vehicleis such that during liftoff acceleration forces from the first corestructure of the upper space vehicle are transmitted to the second corestructure of the lower space vehicle.
 11. The method of claim 9, whereinthe first space vehicle is an upper space vehicle and the second spacevehicle is a lower space vehicle, and the disposition of the first spacevehicle and the second space vehicle includes orienting the first spacevehicle and the second space vehicle in the stacked configuration withina payload region of a fairing of the launch vehicle such that at least aportion of gravitational and launch loads are transmitted from the firstcore structure of the upper space vehicle and are borne by the secondcore structure of the lower space vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the first electric propulsion system includes an electrostaticion thruster and the second electric propulsion system includes a Halleffect thruster.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the first electricpropulsion system includes a thruster, the method further including:adjusting a position of the thruster relative to a frame of the firstspace vehicle; and actuating the thruster to cause linear accelerationof the first space vehicle.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the firstelectric propulsion system includes a first thruster and the secondelectric propulsion system includes a second thruster, the methodfurther including: adjusting a first position of the first thruster anda second position of the second thruster to facilitate separation of thefirst space vehicle and the second space vehicle; and actuating thefirst thruster and the second thruster to separate the first spacevehicle from at least one of the launch vehicle or the second spacevehicle.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the first electricpropulsion system includes a first thruster and a second thruster, themethod further including: adjusting a first position of the firstthruster relative to a frame of the first space vehicle; adjusting asecond position of the second thruster relative to the frame; andactuating the first thruster and the second thruster to achieve a nettorque of the first space vehicle.
 16. The method of claim 9, whereinthe first electric propulsion system includes a first thruster and asecond thruster, and the second electric propulsion system includes athird thruster, the method further including: adjusting a first positionof the first thruster relative to a frame of the first space vehicle;adjusting a second position of the second thruster relative to theframe; actuating the first thruster and the second thruster to achieve anet torque of the first space vehicle; and actuating the third thrusterto separate the second space vehicle from the first space vehicle. 17.The method of claim 9, further including, subsequent to the launching ofthe launch vehicle: separating the first space vehicle and the secondspace vehicle from the launch vehicle; separating the first spacevehicle from the second space vehicle; moving the first space vehicleinto a first orbit with the first electric propulsion system; and movingthe second space vehicle into a second orbit with the second electricpropulsion system.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the firstelectric propulsion system includes first thrusters and secondthrusters, and moving the first space vehicle into the first orbitincludes: moving one or more of the first thrusters into a firstposition, the first thrusters coupled to first adapters on a first sideof the first space vehicle, the first adapters coupled to first gimbaledplatforms in a configuration to enable the first thrusters to beindependently moveable; and moving one or more of the second thrustersinto a second position, the second thrusters coupled to second adapterson a second side of the first space vehicle, the second adapters coupledto second gimbaled platforms in a configuration to enable the secondthrusters to be independently moveable.
 19. The method of claim 18,wherein the first thrusters and the second thrusters are electrostaticion thrusters or Hall effect thrusters, and at least one of the firstthrusters or the second thrusters are for at least one of attitudecontrol, momentum control, or orbit control of the first space vehicle.